Europe’s highest vineyard is located on Tenerife. The place is already well known for its unusual location. And now, the wine-growing there is also considered one of the distinctive features of the Canary Islands.
Vilaflor is considered one of the routes to Mount Teide. The village, home to fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, stretches along the hillside – and is therefore situated at an average altitude of 1,440 metres above sea level. This makes Vilaflor the highest town in the Canary Islands.
It is here, amidst this mountain air, that Europe’s highest vineyard is situated. The volcanic rock and the night-time chill lend the wine its distinctive qualities. Wines from Vilaflor have a character that is uniquely their own. And there is more to discover.
Vilaflor on Tenerife produces Europe’s highest-altitude wine
Once you leave the built-up area of Vilaflor behind, you soon find yourself in one of Europe’s most distinctive wine-growing regions. Cold winters, mild summers and fresh spring water shape the work of Vilaflor’s winegrowers.
The vineyards fall within the Abona designation of origin. Wines from this region are often slightly more expensive, as the terrain makes mechanical harvesting impossible in some places. Despite all the modern aids available, the profession of winemaker in this part of the Canary Islands is often still linked to manual labour, just as it was many decades ago.
Furthermore, yields are lower. However, the resulting wine has a character that true connoisseurs can discern. Alongside temperature fluctuations, the soil is considered key. Even though there is little rainfall in the south of Tenerife, the volcanic rock retains moisture for a long time.
The Malvasia Fina, Marmajuelo and Palomino varieties – the latter known as Listán Blanco in the Canary Islands – are the mainstays of white wine production. For red wine, the varieties are Listán Negro and Tinta Negra Mole, known as Negramoll in Tenerife.
Vilaflor on Tenerife produces wine, potatoes and almonds
In Tenerife, this distinctive approach to viticulture coincides with a growing trend: more and more wineries are recognising the unique characteristics of higher altitudes as an opportunity. More affordable plots of land and distinctive flavours are appealing to new target groups. Consequently, the next generation of winemakers is increasingly turning to vineyards at higher altitudes. The resulting wines and sparkling wines are considered so special that wines from the Canary Islands are becoming increasingly well-known and popular even beyond Spain’s borders.
Depending on the season, the almond harvest coincides with wine tastings. Other typical Canary Islands products, such as potatoes, are also popular. In the area around Vilaflor, some crops have been grown in the same way since the 16th century. Visitors to Vilaflor can treat themselves to some fine culinary delights. And take home a souvenir or two to enjoy with food and drink.
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